When the announcement was made some weeks ago that Splitloop were to be coming to Perth, the excitement was already starting to build among the duo’s local fans. For some, it was no doubt the opportunity to witness the encore to their set at Breakfest in 2005. For others, the newly released and very impressive album Pleasure Machine had them psyched to see these guys live. However, having read some less than favourable reviews of their East Coast gigs, I really wasn’t sure what to expect.

Upon entering Ambar at about 10:30pm, the first thing that struck me was the early crowd. With a line outside the door and the club already half full inside, it was pretty good indication that this was going to be a big night. Opening set honours went to Lok, who did a great job of warming up the crowds playing some up-tempo ‘party’ breaks, drawing people out onto the dance floor. By 11:30pm, the club was already full as Lok finished up his set with the Beatslappaz’s Rogan Josh (Grand Def Audio Remix).

Next up behind the booth was local favourite Philly. Early on, one of the many remixes of Meat Katie & D. Ramirez’s Stop the Revolution was the building block to a set that become progressively harder and more energetic as it went on. For me, the highlight of Philly’s set was my favourite tune of the moment, Slyde’s Frequency (NAPT Remix). Always impressive, Philly once again smashed it and confirmed why he has become a staple in any local breaks lover’s diet.

Wish’s set at 1am was the perfect precursor to the main event of the night. His style on the evening was a little more down-tempo and on the heavier side, staying light on the vocals. One of the notable tunes towards the end of his set was Zero’s Emit Collect (Rennie Pilgrem remix).

Normally a two-man outfit, only one half of the Splitloop team had made the trip to Australia and at 2:30am it was time for him to take over. By this time, the walls of Ambar were heaving with people, and with a queue still waiting to get in, it was obviously only going to get bigger. Starting off in style, Splitloop played two tracks from the new album, including the title track Pleasure Machine, later dropping the heavy and gritty Frequency Rebel.

The overall feel of the set was heavy and dark, with a lot of synth sounds running through it. Heading in the direction of more progressive breaks and getting harder throughout the duration of the two-hour set, he had the crowd whipped into a frenzy. As one person described it to me, ‘It’s like the whole club is jumping. Everyone is dancing, and I mean actually lifting up their feet and dancing, not just shuffling from side to side as they usually do.’

After two hours of solid tunes from Splitloop, at 4:30am Ambar veteran Marty McFly had the somewhat daunting task of following to close the night. Tunes like Aquasky & El Hornet’s Boys and Girls and Ils’ Hate is an Illness (NAPT Remix) ensured that the many who remained stayed on the dancefloor right through to closing time.

Happily, all my expectations for the night were well and truly exceeded. Not only by the formidable showing from Splitloop, but also by the impressive performances from all of the local support. One thing is for sure – this was a night in which all breaks lovers could delight.